Brick Tile Inserts

ABSTRACT

A tile inset device for securely and removably attaching two or more masonry products, such as concrete blocks, bricks and the like, to one another without the use or mortar, adhesives or the like. In a preferred embodiment, both the top and bottom portions of the device comprise two or more spaced apart inserts for insertion into an opening in a masonry product. The tile insert devices permit the associated masonry products to be repeatedly reused without causing damage thereto, and permit a builder to modify a partially constructed structure without incurring significant time or financial hardship. The tile insert devices are particularly useful in constructing temporary, non-dwelling, structures, but can also be used in the construction of permanent structures.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application claims priority from Provisional Patent ApplicationSer. No. 61/600,068 filed on Feb. 17, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a masonry tile insert that enables a user toconstruct a temporary masonry structure, such as a brick wall, fire-pit,barbeque, etc., without permanently mortaring the bricks or blockstogether. Because the bricks or blocks are not permanently affixed toone another, the structure can later be deconstructed and the bricks orblocks can be re-used for other purposes. The tile insert device isrelatively easy to install and use, inexpensive to manufacture and canbe used in conjunction with a variety of masonry products.

BACKGROUND

Many non-dwelling structures, such as walls, mailboxes, fire pits,barbeques, etc., are constructed of masonry products, such as concreteblocks, bricks and the like, due to the durability and aestheticallypleasing appearance of said products. Traditionally when building withmasonry products, the blocks and/or bricks are affixed to one anotherwith mortar, which creates a permanent bond between the various blocksand/or bricks. However, if the resulting structure is no longer neededor desired, it is typically not possible to deconstruct the structure ina manner that would permit the blocks or bricks to be reused in the samefashion. This is true because it is typically not possible to remove orseparate the various mortared bricks or blocks without damaging the sameor incurring significant expense. Consequently, structures that are nolonger needed or desired are typically demolished and the ruble,consisting or broken bricks, block and mortar, is either discarded orused as excavating fill.

Further, masonry products such as concrete blocks and bricks can berelatively expensive to purchase, and typically require the services ofa skilled mason to install, which further increases the cost of usingsaid materials in the building process. Therefore, individuals desiringto construct a temporary structure may forgo masonry products because oftheir expense, permanency and the forgoing problems associated withdismantling the same, even though the user may prefer the appearance ofmasonry.

Another problem associated with the use of permanently affixed masonryproducts occurs if an individual makes a mistake during the constructionprocess or desires to change the design of the partially completedstructure. More specifically, once the masonry products are permanentlyaffixed to one another with mortar, it is typically not possible to undoor change what has already been constructed without incurringsignificant time and expense. Currently, there is no device or methodfor securely and removably attaching masonry products to one anotherwithout permanently mortaring the same. Additionally, there is also nocurrent device or method for recycling used masonry products in the samemanner as their initial use, e.g., in a wall, mailbox, fire pit,barbeque or other aesthetically pleasing structure.

Consequently, there exists in the art a long-felt need for a tile inertdevice that can be used to securely and removably attach masonryproducts to one another without permanently affixing the same. Therealso exists in the art a long felt need for a tile insert device thatpermits the associated masonry products to be repeatedly reused and/orrecycled without causing damage thereto. Moreover, there is a long feltneed for a tile insert device that permits a builder to modify and orchange the design of a masonry structure, or correct a constructionmistake, during the construction process and without incurringsignificant time or financial hardship. Finally, there is a long-feltneed for a tile insert device that accomplishes all of the forgoingobjectives and that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture,aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summaryis not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identifykey/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one aspect thereof,is a masonry tile insert device useful for securely and removablyattaching masonry products to one another without permanently mortaringthe same together. Each of said tile insert devices is preferablycomprised of a base with a top surface and a bottom surface; a firstinsert positioned along said top surface for insertion into an openingin a first masonry product and a second insert positioned along said topsurface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product; and athird insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into anopening in a third masonry product and a fourth insert positioned alongsaid bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a fourth masonryproduct. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tileinsert devices could be ornamentally designed to give the appearance ofa typical mortar joint.

The masonry tile inserts of the present invention allow a builder tosecurely and removably attach various masonry products to one anotherwithout permanently mortaring the same together, thereby enabling thebuilder to change or modify the design of the structure beingconstructed during the construction process at minimal time and expense.Additionally, when the structure is no longer needed and/or desired, thetile insert devices of the present invention enable the builder todismantle the structure without damaging the masonry products previouslyused to build the structure. By preserving the integrity and aestheticsof the original masonry products and the devices, the builder will beable to utilize the same in subsequent projects and therefore realizesignificant cost savings. Finally, the tile insert devices of thepresent invention accomplish all of the forgoing objectives and arerelatively inexpensive to manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safeand easy to use.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certainillustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein inconnection with the following description and the annexed drawings.These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various waysin which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and is intendedto include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages andnovel features will become apparent from the following detaileddescription when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of thetile insert device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the tile insert device depictedin FIG. 1 about to be installed on a pair of side by side masonrybricks.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a partially constructedstructure comprised of a plurality of masonry bricks removably andsecurely attached to one another via a plurality of tile insert devices.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe tile insert device of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, whereinlike reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout.In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovationcan be practiced without these specific details.

Referring initially to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a perspectiveview of a preferred embodiment of a tile insert device 100 of thepresent invention, which is useful in creating a temporary interlockingor interconnecting masonry structure. Device 100 is preferably comprisedof a base 110 and more than one insert 140 extending outwardly from saidbase 110. Unless otherwise stated, device 100 and its various componentsare preferably comprised of plastic, though it is contemplated thatother suitable materials such as fiberglass, concrete, cement, wood,metal, etc. could also be used provided that the same is generallyweather resistant. Base 110 and inserts 140 may be integrally formed, orone or more of inserts 140 may be attached to base 110 by any commonmeans known in the art depending upon the type of materials used. Forexample, if base 110 and inserts 140 are constructed of plastic orfiberglass, insert 140 may be glued to base 110.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, base 110 is preferably an elongated,plate-like structure comprised of a top 112, a bottom 116, a frontsurface 120, a back surface (not shown) and sides 128. In a preferredembodiment of the present invention, the overall length and width ofbase 110 should be approximately the same as the length and width of themasonry block or brick with which it is being used. For example, adevice 100 for use with a standard concrete masonry block may comprise abase 110 that is approximately 15½ to 16 inches in length, as measuredbetween sides 128, and may have a width of approximately 7½ to 8 inches,as measured between front surface 120 and back surface. By comparison, adevice 100 for use with a standard sized masonry brick may comprise abase 110 that is approximately 9 to 10 inches in length, as measuredbetween sides 128, and may have a width of approximately 3½ to 4¼inches, as measured between front surface 120 and back surface. Ofcourse, it is contemplated that other size bases 110 could also be usedto suit user preference or a particular application.

The overall thickness of base 110 is preferably equal to that of astandard mortar joint and may be approximately ¼ to ⅝ inches, asmeasured from top 112 to bottom 116. In a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention, front surface 120 and back surface (not shown) willalso have the general appearance of a standard mortar joint so as togive the appearance that the various masonry products (i.e., blocksand/or bricks) were permanently mortared together.

Each of inserts 140 are preferably block like structures that extendoutwardly from top 112 and/or bottom 116, and are comprised of anoutward facing surface 144 and sides 148. In the preferred embodiment ofdevice 100 depicted in FIG. 1, two inserts 140 are located in spacedapart relationship along top 112 and two additional inserts 140 arelocated in spaced apart relationship along bottom 116. Notwithstandingthe forgoing, it is also contemplated that device 100 could be comprisedof a single insert 140 on each of the top 112 and bottom 116, or asingle insert 140 along the top 112 and two inserts 140 along the bottom116, or vice versa. As described more fully below, this alternativeembodiment of device 100 is particularly useful for producing theappearance of staggered masonry products and mortar joints.

It is also contemplated that more than two inserts 140 could bepositioned in spaced apart relationship along top 112 and/or bottom 116,or that insert(s) 140 could be positioned along the bottom 116 but notthe top 112 (or vice versa). This type of device 100 is particularlyuseful along the top row of a structure to not only removably connectthe two blocks 220 immediately below device 100 but to also provide arelatively flat cap to the structure being constructed.

In order to reduce the overall weight and cost of device 100, and tomake the same easier to handle during the installation and/orde-installation process, one or more of inserts 140 may further comprisean opening 150 in outwardly facing surfaces 144, such as a continuousopening, therein. Openings 150 are also useful for receiving mortar orconcrete if, at some point in the future, a user (not shown) decides tomake the structure permanent, and desires to core the same with concreteor mortar to add strength to the overall structure.

Because inserts 140 are inserted into openings 208 formed in a masonryproduct 200 such as a brick or concrete block, the overall size, shapeand spacing of inserts 140 along top 112 and/or bottom 116 shouldcorrespond to the particular type of masonry product 200 that device 100is being used with, as well as the size, shape and spacing of theopenings 208 therein. FIG. 2 illustrates a device 100 about to beinstalled onto a pair of masonry blocks/bricks 200 positionedimmediately adjacent to one another. Masonry blocks and bricks are wellknown in the art, and each of the masonry blocks 200 depicted in FIG. 2is comprised of a top surface 204, a front surface 210, a back surface(not shown), and sides 214. During the construction process, one of theinserts 140 positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted intoopening 208 of the first block 200 and the remaining insert 140positioned along the bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208of the second block 200, such that device 100 straddles the intersectionof the two blocks 200 and interlocks the same. In a similar fashion,additional blocks 200 can now be placed on top of the inserts 140located along top 112 so that inserts 140 fit within openings 208 tocreate an interlocking structure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a partially constructedstructure comprised of a plurality of masonry bricks 200 removably andsecurely attached to one another via a plurality of tile insert devices100. More specifically, each of the devices 100 depicted in FIG. 3 arecomprised of a base 110 with a top surface 112 and a bottom surface 116.Two inserts 140 are positioned along the top surface 112 of said base110 in spaced apart relationship for insertion into correspondingopenings 208 in two adjacent bricks 200 positioned above said base 110,and two inserts 140 are positioned along the bottom surface 116 inspaced apart relationship for insertion into corresponding openings 208in two adjacent bricks 200 positioned below said base 110. In thismanner, the various bricks 200 and tile insert devices 100 can beremovably interlocked together to create a structure without the needfor mortar or other more permanent adhesive materials. Further, aspreviously stated, the front surfaces 120 and back surfaces (not shown)of base 110 may further comprise ornamentation to give the generalappearance of a standard mortar joint, which is both aestheticallypleasing and implies that the structure has been permanentlyconstructed.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of an alternative embodiment ofthe tile insert device 100 of the present invention, which is furthercomprised of at least one panel 124 that extends outwardly from top 112and/or bottom 116 of base 100 and serves as a vertical spacer betweenthe various masonry blocks 200 being used to build the structure (inplace of the otherwise present mortar joint in a permanent structure).Panel 124 may further comprise a front surface 126 and back surface (notshown), each of which may also have the general appearance of a standardmortar joint so as to give the appearance that the various masonryproducts (i.e., blocks and/or bricks) were permanently mortaredtogether. It is worth noting that the device 100 depicted in FIG. 4 isbut one example of how panels 124 can be positioned along base 110, andthat numerous other configurations are contemplated and possible to suituser need and/or preference.

Having now described the overall structure of tile insert device 100,its use and usefulness will now be summarized. A user (not shown)desiring to construct a temporary masonry structure, such as a brick orblock wall, fire-pit, barbeque, etc., without permanently mortaring thebricks or blocks together could place two blocks 200 adjacent to oneanother as shown in FIG. 2, and removably connect said blocks 200 withdevice 100. More specifically, the user (not shown) would place device100 over blocks 200 such that one of the inserts 140 positioned alongthe bottom 116 of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the firstblock 200, and the remaining insert 140 positioned along the bottom 116of base 110 is inserted into opening 208 of the second block 200 so thatdevice 100 straddles the intersection of the two blocks and removablyinterconnects the same.

In a similar fashion, additional blocks 200 can now be placed adjacentto the two interconnected blocks and interlocked therewith withadditional devices 100 to increase the overall length of the structure.Additionally, to increase the overall height of the structure,additional blocks 200 can be placed on top of the inserts 140 locatedalong top 112 so that inserts 140 fit within openings 208 to create aninterlocking structure, as is shown in FIG. 3. Additional devices 100can then be placed on top of the second row of blocks 200, and so on andso forth until the desired structure is complete. Moreover, aspreviously mentioned, the front surface 120 of base 110 and/or the frontsurface of panels 124 may further comprise ornamentation or texture thatgives the general appearance of a standard mortar joint.

As an important aspect of the present invention, because the variousblocks/bricks 200 and devices 100 are not permanently affixed to oneanother, a user (not shown) can easily disassemble the structure byremoving each layer of blocks and devices when the structure is nolonger needed or desired, and the various blocks/bricks 200 and devices100 can be reused.

Consequently, the tile insert devices 100 of the present invention allowa builder to securely and removably attach various masonry products,such as concrete blocks, bricks and the like, to one another withouthaving to permanently mortar the same. Because a builder can alsorelatively easily dismantle a masonry structure constructed with thetile insert devices 100 of the present invention, the builder can changeor modify the design of the structure during the construction process atminimal time and expense. Additionally, when the structure is no longerneeded and/or desired, the tile insert devices 100 of the presentinvention further enable the builder to dismantle the structure withoutdamaging the masonry products previously used to build the structure andreuse the same in subsequent projects, therefore resulting insignificant time and cost savings. The tile insert devices 100 may alsobe reused. Finally, the tile insert devices 100 of the present inventionaccomplish all of the forgoing objectives and are relatively inexpensiveto manufacture, aesthetically pleasing, and safe and easy to use.

Other variations are within the spirit of the present invention. Thus,while the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative constructions, a certain illustrated embodiment thereof isshown in the drawings and has been described above in detail. It shouldbe understood, however, that there is no intention to limit theinvention to the specific form or forms disclosed, but on the contrary,the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions,and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention, asdefined in the appended claims.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in thecontext of describing the invention (especially in the context of thefollowing claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and theplural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted bycontext. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing”are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, butnot limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. The term “connected” is to beconstrued as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joinedtogether, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of rangesof values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method ofreferring individually to each separate value falling within the range,unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value isincorporated into the specification as if it were individually recitedherein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitableorder unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplarylanguage (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to betterilluminate embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitationon the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language inthe specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein. Variationsof those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinaryskill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventorexpects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, andthe inventor intends for the invention to be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes allmodifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in theclaims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, anycombination of the above-described elements in all possible variationsthereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicatedherein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tile insert device comprising: a base comprisedof a top surface and a bottom surface; at least one insert positionedalong either the top surface or the bottom surface for insertion into anopening in a first masonry product; and at least one insert positionedalong said bottom surface for insertion into an opening in a secondmasonry product.
 2. The tile insert device of claim 1 wherein twoinserts are positioned along said top surface in spaced apartrelationship and further wherein a first one of said two inserts is forinsertion into said opening in the first masonry product, and a secondone of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a thirdmasonry product, wherein said third masonry product is positionedadjacent to said first masonry product.
 3. The tile insert device ofclaim 1 wherein two inserts are positioned along said bottom surface inspaced apart relationship and further wherein a first one of said twoinserts is for insertion into said opening in the second masonryproduct, and a second one of said two inserts is for insertion into anopening in a third masonry product, wherein said third masonry productis positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.
 4. The tileinsert device of claim 2 wherein two inserts are positioned along saidbottom surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein a firstone of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in the secondmasonry product, and a second one of said two inserts is for insertioninto an opening in a fourth masonry product, wherein said fourth masonryproduct is positioned adjacent to said second masonry product.
 5. Thetile insert device of claim 1 wherein at least one insert is furthercomprised of an opening therein.
 6. The tile insert device of claim 1wherein said base further comprises a front surface, wherein said frontsurface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.
 7. A device forcreating a temporary interlocking masonry structure comprising: a basecomprised of a top surface and a bottom surface; a first insertpositioned along said top surface for insertion into an opening in afirst masonry product and a second insert positioned along said topsurface for insertion into an opening in a second masonry product; and athird insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion into anopening in a third masonry product.
 8. The device of claim 7 furthercomprising a fourth insert positioned along said bottom surface forinsertion into an opening in a masonry product.
 9. The device of claim 7wherein at least one of said first, second and third inserts is furthercomprised of an opening therein.
 10. The device of claim 7 wherein atleast a portion of the masonry structure is comprised of bricks.
 11. Thedevice of claim 7 further comprising a panel extending outwardly from atleast one of said top surface and said bottom surface.
 12. The device ofclaim 7 wherein said base further comprises a front surface, whereinsaid front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.
 13. Thedevice of claim 11 wherein said panel further comprises a front surface,wherein said front surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.14. A tile insert device comprising: a base comprised of a top surfaceand a bottom surface; at least one insert positioned along said topsurface for insertion into an opening in a first masonry product; atleast one insert positioned along said bottom surface for insertion intoan opening in a second masonry product; and a panel extending outwardlyfrom at least one of said top surface and said bottom surface.
 15. Thetile insert device of claim 14 wherein two inserts are positioned alongsaid top surface in spaced apart relationship and further wherein afirst one of said two inserts is for insertion into said opening in thefirst masonry product, and a second one of said two inserts is forinsertion into an opening in a third masonry product, wherein said thirdmasonry product is positioned adjacent to said first masonry product.16. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein two inserts arepositioned along said bottom surface in spaced apart relationship andfurther wherein a first one of said two inserts is for insertion intosaid opening in the second masonry product, and a second one of said twoinserts is for insertion into an opening in a third masonry product,wherein said third masonry product is positioned adjacent to said secondmasonry product.
 17. The tile insert device of claim 15 wherein twoinserts are positioned along said bottom surface in spaced apartrelationship and further wherein a first one of said two inserts is forinsertion into said opening in the second masonry product, and a secondone of said two inserts is for insertion into an opening in a fourthmasonry product, wherein said fourth masonry product is positionedadjacent to said second masonry product.
 18. The tile insert device ofclaim 14 wherein at least one insert is further comprised of an openingtherein.
 19. The tile insert device of claim 14 wherein said basefurther comprises a front surface, wherein said front surface has theappearance of being a mortar joint.
 20. The tile insert device of claim14 wherein said panel further comprises a front surface, wherein saidfront surface has the appearance of being a mortar joint.